Color strong enough to be graded on the fancy scale rather than the D-to-Z scale used for white stones. The boundary sits just past Z, and stones near it are graded carefully because the price difference is substantial.
How are fancy color diamonds graded?
On hue, tone and saturation rather than the D-to-Z scale used for white diamonds. Intensity runs Faint, Very Light, Light, Fancy Light, Fancy, Fancy Intense, Fancy Vivid and Fancy Deep, and it is the largest single factor in price.
What causes color in a natural diamond?
It varies by color: nitrogen produces yellow, boron produces blue, natural irradiation produces green, and lattice distortion produces pink and brown. Each mechanism is rare in its own way.
Which fancy colors are rarest?
Red is the rarest by a wide margin, followed by blue, green, purple and pink. Yellow and brown are the most available, which is what makes them accessible starting points.
How much do fancy color diamonds cost?
Across an enormous range, driven mainly by hue and intensity. A Faint brown and a Fancy Vivid pink of the same weight can differ by several orders of magnitude.
Should I choose color intensity or size?
Intensity, in most cases. A smaller stone with strong saturation has more presence and holds value better than a larger stone with a weak tint.
Which shapes suit fancy color diamonds?
Radiant and cushion overwhelmingly, because their brilliant faceting reflects light back through the stone and deepens the color you see. Step cuts show color more faintly.
How do I know the color is natural?
The grading report states color origin explicitly, and it should come from a recognized laboratory such as GIA. Treated colored diamonds exist and are legitimate when disclosed, but they are a different stone at a different price — always check that line.
See new stones first
Every stone is photographed and graded before it is listed. Join the list to see them before they reach the shop.
New stones only, no more than once a month. Unsubscribe any time.
